September 2025 Newsletter 

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 Biosciences 
 Genomics Core Supports EBP 

The ASU Genomics Facility is a sequencing facility at Arizona State University offering scientists and researchers worldwide opportunity to perform a full range of genomic applications, such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing, library preparation of ChIP samples, de novo sequencing, metagenomics sequencing, single-cell sequencing and traditional Sanger sequencing.

Earth BioGenome Project
The Genomics team is excited to announce its support of the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) a global effort to sequence the DNA of all known species on Earth

What is the Earth BioGenome Project?
The EBP is one of the most ambitious scientific initiatives of our time. Thanks to powerful advances in genome sequencing technology, informatics, automation and artificial intelligence, researchers are now able to unlock biodiversity at a scale once thought impossible.

Earth BioGenome Project promotional image with a portrait of Harris Lewin and text reading "With ASU’s new PacBio Revio long-read DNA sequencer, now housed in the ASU Genomics Facility within the Global Futures Laboratory at the Walton Center for Planetary Health, we are positioning the university as a hub for the Earth BioGenome Project and a leader in a national effort to sequence life."
For the first time in history, it is feasible to efficiently sequence the genomes of all known species and even use genomics to help discover the 80–90% of species that remain hidden from science. The knowledge gained from this project has the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, environmental conservation and our fundamental understanding of life on Earth.
 New Genome Sequencing Equipment 
The Genomics Core has recently acquired two new instruments to support long-read sequencing, especially in support of the Earth BioGenome Project.
PacBio Revio
The Revio offers high-fidelity (HiFi) reads with 90% of bases having a median read accuracy of Q30 and read lengths of tens of kilobases.

In addition, the new SPRQ chemistry reduces input requirements and improves loading efficiency. This allows the Genomics Core to offer services for Genome Assemblies, full-length RNA sequencing and targeted sequencing.
Black PacBio scientific machine in a lab setting with a screen and pink logo.
Large wooden crate in a corridor with contents wrapped in reflective foil.
Agilent Femto Pulse
A pulsed-field capillary electrophoresis system in which researchers are able to quantify, qualify and size nucleic acid samples with accuracy and precision. The instrument can detect nucleic acids down to the lower femtogram range and provides ten times higher sensitivity compared to other non-denaturing gel-based instruments.
Laboratory analytical instrument with a computer displaying data.
Upgraded 10X Genomics controller to the Chromium iX
Allows researchers to expand the single-cell RNAseq services that the Chromium Controller was not capable of performing. The upgraded controller allows the Genomics Core to perform Flex workflows which are for fixed samples and allows for multiplexing for gene expression. In addition, this allows the team to utilize the newest version kits for 5’ for immune cells and 3’ gene expression.
A compact electronic device with a digital screen displaying text, resting on a dark surface.
Genomics Core Equipment List
Clinical Corner
Training for world-class results
Brooks Running professional marathoner Jessica McClain prepared for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with support from ASU’s Clinical Research Services (CRS) Core, particularly Lab and Research Specialist Ellie Iwersen. To simulate race-day conditions not naturally available in Phoenix — 80% humidity — Jessica trained inside ASU’s new Environment Chamber while undergoing sweat testing to fine-tune fueling strategies with electrolytes, sodium and carbohydrates.

That training paid off: Jessica placed 8th in the world at the championships. Congratulations to her from CRS and the ASU Core Research Facilities team.
Individual running in an urban race, wearing a white top, blue visor and striped shorts.
Photo courtesy Jessica McClain's Instagram
Located at ASU’s Health Futures Center, the Environment Chamber expands CRS capabilities by replicating conditions from 4–43 °C and 20–90% humidity. Researchers and athletes alike can use the chamber for VO2 max and lactate testing, hydration studies, calorimetry, thermal comfort research and acclimation strategies. By offering precise control over environmental factors, the chamber supports both human physiology research and performance optimization.
Watch Jessica train
Learn about CRS
 Publication 
 Wolbachia-mediated reduction in the glutamate receptor mGlurR promots female promiscuity and bacterial spread   
Authors: Brandt Warecki, Giovanni Vega, Sommer Fowler, Grant Hartzog, Timothy L. Karr, William Sullivan. 
Diagram showing effects of Wolbachia infection on flies, comparing behavior, brain proteomics, and genetic alteration stages.
ASU Core Research Facilities are proud to support this work and thank Professor Timothy Karr from the Biosciences Core for his contributions.
Abstract:

Wolbachia infection in Drosophila melanogaster increases female receptivity to mating by colonizing brain regions tied to behavior. Proteomics reveal 177 host proteins altered and changes to mGluR, TfAP-2 and Obp99b mimic this effect.
Introduction:

Parasites often manipulate host behavior in ways that enhance their own transmission, though the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Wolbachia pipientis, an endosymbiont infecting many insects, provides a powerful model for studying these interactions.

Discussion:

Wolbachia infection increases female receptivity in Drosophila, enhancing reproductive success and promoting its own transmission. These results demonstrate that Wolbachia infection provides a clear reproductive advantage for D. melanogaster females.
 Joke of the Month 
Illustration of a man with an oversized pea pod, featuring speech bubbles with a pun. "What award did Gregor Mendel receive for his work in the field of Genetics?" The Nobel Peas Prize."
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